What is co-codamol used for?

Co-codamol is used for the short-term relief of pain. It comes in four different strengths, the strongest of which are only available on prescription.

Co-codamol tablets containing 500mg paracetamol with 15mg or 30mg codeine may be prescribed by a doctor for the following reasons:

Short-term relief of moderate or severe pain in adults over 18 years of age.

Short-term relief of acute moderate pain in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, when other painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not been effective.

Co-codamol containing 500mg paracetamol with 8mg or 12.8mg codeine can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies for the following uses:

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Short-term (up to three days) relief of acute, mild to moderate pain such as period pain, headache, migraine, toothache, sore throat, muscular and rheumatic pain, sciatica and backache (lumbago) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. It should only be used when other painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not been effective.

How does co-codamol work?

Co-codamol is a combination of paracetamol and codeine phosphate.

Paracetamol is a painkilling medicine that relieves mild to moderate pain. It is thought to work by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Prostaglandins sensitise nerve endings, causing pain. By reducing their production it is thought paracetamol may increase our pain threshold, so that although the cause of the pain remains, we don't feel it as much.

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Codeine phosphate is a slightly stronger painkiller known as an opioid. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of natural pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins that are produced in the brain and spinal cord. Codeine acts on the same opioid receptors as natural endorphins and this blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. This means that even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

What forms does co-codamol come in?

Co-codamol comes as tablets, caplets (capsule-shaped tablets), capsules and soluble tablets. These are widely available without a prescription from pharmacies as the generic (unbranded) medicine. The following brands of co-codamol can also be bought from pharmacies:

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